Common Frog

Rana temporaria

About

Common Frogs are amphibians, coming to ponds to breed during the spring and spending much of the rest of the year feeding on dry land, in woodland, gardens, hedgerows and tussocky grassland. Frogs are a familiar inhabitant of garden ponds, where they lay their eggs in big clumps of spawn. They feed on a variety of invertebrates and smaller amphibians. Females are bigger than males.

How to identify

Colour can vary enormously from green to brown and even red or yellow. Typically brown or grey with smooth skin and long back legs covered in dark bands. Hops and jumps rather than walks.

Where to find it

A common and widespread species found throughout the country, except for some Scottish islands, some of the Isles of Scilly and the Channel Islands.

Habitats

When to find it

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

How can people help

Human activity, including the drainage of land for agriculture and the loss of ponds through development, has resulted in the disappearance of many wetlands. This has taken its toll on wetland wildlife like frogs The Wildlife Trusts are working closely with planners, developers and farmers to ensure our wetlands are protected. You can help: encourage frogs and other amphibians into your garden by having a wildlife-friendly pond and leaving piles of logs for hibernating beneath. In partnership with the RHS, The Wildlife Trusts' Wild About Gardens initiative can help you plan your wildlife garden.